Abstract

Aim: To determine whether applying forced air warming attenuates the impact of
sedation-induced impairment of thermoregulation on body temperature of
patients who are sedated during interventional procedures in the cardiac
catheterization laboratory.

Background: A moderate proportion of sedated patients who undergo procedures in
the cardiac catheterization laboratory with only passive warming become
hypothermic. Hypothermia in the surgical population is associated with increased risk
of adverse cardiac events, infections, thrombotic and haemorrhagic complications and
prolonged hospital stay. For this reason, investigation of the clinical benefits of
preventing hypothermia in sedated patients using active warming is required.

Design: Randomized controlled trial.

Methods: A total of 140 participants undergoing elective interventional procedures
with sedation in a cardiac catheterization laboratory will be recruited from two
hospitals in Australia. Participants will be randomized to receive forced air
warming (active warming) or usual care (passive warming with heated cotton
blankets) throughout procedures. The primary outcome is hypothermia (defined as
temperature less than 36°C) at the conclusion of the procedure. Secondary
outcomes are postprocedure temperature, postprocedural shivering, thermal
discomfort, major complications, disability-free survival to 30 days postprocedure,
cost-effectiveness and feasibility of conducting a larger clinical trial.
Discussion. The results from this study will provide high-level evidence for
practice in an area where there is currently no guidance. Findings will be easily
translatable into clinical practice because most hospitals already have forced air
warming equipment available for use during general anaesthesia.